Responding to Jacoby Transfers

This lesson is based on Standard American bidding where the 1NT opening shows 15-17 HCP and ACOL bidding where the 1NT opening shows 12-14 HCP and the 2NT opening shows SAYC 20-21 HCP or for ACOL 20-22 HCP. As with all conventions, the continuations described here are a partnership agreement - check with your partner before play exactly what these bids mean for your partnership.

Opener Must Complete the Transfer

The transfer bid is artificial - it says nothing at all about the suit actually bid. When partner bids 2♦ over your 1NT they are showing hearts, not diamonds, and you must never pass. Complete the transfer by bidding the next suit up:

1NT - 2♦ - 2♥
1NT - 2♥ - 2♠

You complete the transfer whatever your holding in the suit - even with only two small cards. Your balanced 1NT opening promised at least two cards in every suit, so partner already knows the partnership holds at least a seven card fit.

The Super Accept

There is one time opener does more than simply complete the transfer. Holding a maximum (SAYC 17 HCP or ACOL 14 HCP) with four card support for partner's major, opener jumps to three of the suit:

1NT - 2♦ - 3♥

This is known as a super accept and encourages partner to bid on to game. Opener must not jump all the way to game - the transfer could be based on a very weak hand with no points at all, so the super accept invites game without committing to it.

Responder's Continuations After the Transfer

Once opener completes the transfer, responder knows the partnership has at least a seven card fit and can place the contract. Add your points to the 15-17 partner has promised:

0-7 HCP - Pass. The transfer has done its job. Two of your major will play better than 1NT would have, and game is out of reach.

8-9 HCP (SAYC) or 10+ HCP (ACOL) - Invite game. With exactly five cards in your major bid 2NT, giving opener a choice of contracts - opener passes or raises to 3NT without a fit, or bids three or four of your major with three card support. With a six card suit you know there is at least an eight card fit, so invite by raising to three of your major instead.

10+ HCP (SAYC) or 13+ HCP (ACOL) - Bid game. With exactly five cards in your major bid 3NT - opener passes with a doubleton or corrects to four of your major with three card support. With a six card suit bid four of your major directly - you know where the hand belongs, so bid what you can make.

After a 2NT Opening

The same logic applies when partner opens 2NT (SAYC 20-21 HCP or ACOL 20-22 HCP), one level higher. Partner completes your 3♦ or 3♥ transfer by bidding three of your major, and with far fewer points needed for game your continuations arrive a level higher too.